Since the LEAF doesn't have a transmission or hump or a manual shifter why can't they make the front seat a Bench Seat like cars used to have?
It could then seat 6.
It would be great for dating or sitting close with your wife /husband /kids/baby.
You could carry more stuff.
It would allow you to slide over from one side to the other.
When it folded down you would have camper space for sleeping.

Maybe some you you could come up with more handy things it would allow?

jstack6 wrote:Since the LEAF doesn't have a transmission or hump or a manual shifter why can't they make the front seat a Bench Seat like cars used to have?
It could then seat 6.
...
Maybe Nissan will listen and make it an option?

It could be done.
But is unlikely.
Not many vehicles manufactured with bench seat anymore.
Market demand has moved in the other direction.
Even in large crossover vehicles.

I think comfort is the main reason. Remember how you used to be able to sink into your parents' car's bench seat and still have some side support? Me neither! They could build a 'cheater' seat like the new Volt has, with space for only a child or child seat in the middle, but I suspect that wouldn't fly in the front with current safety regulations. The best thing you can realistically hope for is a bucket seat setup with a well-designed center console that actually serves as a shelf as well. If you want extra seating for kids, a jump seat in the rear is more likely.

I think people's expectations is the primary reason why cars today generally don't have bench front seats. A lot (perhaps the majority) of big SUV's today are being sold to consumers with bucket front seats and massive center consoles in lieu of bench seats; I can imagine it would be even less popular in a smaller vehicle such as a Leaf. For that matter many minivans are being optioned with "Captains Chairs" second row seating in lieu of a 3 person bench.

jstack6 wrote:Since the LEAF doesn't have a transmission or hump or a manual shifter why can't they make the front seat a Bench Seat like cars used to have?. It could then seat 6. ...

I wonder if it has to do with safety requirements of seat belts and head rests. I agree though, I would prefer a bench in the front, but understand my opinion is in the minority. Front bucket seats are deemed more sexy or sports car like.